by Fiona likes to blog | Apr 24, 2017 | DEPRESSION
I have such admiration for people who can continue to work whilst being treated for mental illness. I struggled so badly that I had to quit my job and was subsequently out of work for over a year whilst I built up my confidence to return.
I know for some people going to work is the one thing they continue to excel at whilst their mental health suffers, but for me it simply wasn’t an option.
It took me a long time to come to terms with that. When I lost my career I felt like I lost my identity, but I wish I’d realised that is was OK to be off work. It was OK to need help. It was OK to take as much time as I needed. It was more than OK – it was necessary.
Whether you’re off work for a day, a week or a prolonged period of time; you should use this time to make your recovery as wholesome and speedy as possible.
Don’t beat yourself up
Once you’ve decided to take time off, it can be common to feel guilty about being at home resting whilst your family and friends go out to work. You may feel bad that your colleagues are left with more work to do, but remember they’re mentally well enough to cope with added stress whilst you are not.
With the physical symptoms of mental illness often hard to see, certain employers often doubt whether they are there at all. This can be very frustrating – but try not to let it get to you. It’s merely a reflection of how little knowledge most people have about mental illness, and not an indication of whether or not you should return to work. That’s a decision that should be made by you with the advice of your GP.
Consider your finances
If you’re unemployed or off work long term this can be very stressful for a lot of people. If you’re running out of savings you should be honest and consider making a plan for the future. If you live in the US you may want to have a read of the DRB Capital structured settlement review. I was receiving benefits and Statutory Sick Pay when I was off sick abd residing in the UK, more information on which can be found here.
Any extra cash can be pivotal when you are no longer earning full time, and this will also help take the pressure off you rushing back into work when you’re not totally ready to do so.
Implement a routine
When you’re out off work for a prolonged period of time it can be hard to find structure in your day. I know for me the days often ran into one another, with sleeping taking priority over eating, showering and staying in contact with family. You should try to avoid the days slipping away by implementing a loose routine.
Try setting your alarm every morning and try to follow a basic self-care routine. This could be something as simple as getting up before midday and making a cup of tea. Over time you can add more difficult tasks such as washing, cooking breakfast and leaving the house. This will give some purpose to your days without adding too much expectation or pressure.
Try to stay active
This doesn’t mean going a run everyday or religiously going to keep-fit classes like I did, but it will benefit you to get out of the house and move around a little most days. I know how hard it can be to get out of bed and it’s OK to spend all day sleeping when you need it. But if you do feel the urge to do something like rearrange your bedroom or pop to the supermarket then you should capitalise on that positive attitude.
Completing the smallest tasks can feel like a big win when you’re at an all time low. I remember one day following a bad spell of my depression I suddenly felt compelled to clean my windows. It felt like such an achievement and as silly as it sounds, it was such a great day for me and my recovery.
What steps are you taking to help with your mental illness whilst you’re off work?
by Fiona likes to blog | Aug 3, 2016 | LIFE
Unemployment sucks.
That’s how it seemed to me at first anyway; a hideous mind-fuck of the tallest order where you question your purpose in society, your ability to function on little money (or benefits) and wonder if you can survive eating cardboard for a few weeks until you pluck up the courage to ask your parents for money.
I hate to say it, but things will get worse before they get better. Take me for example, I began writing this post from bed, at 1am in the morning. Not because I have a creative mind that seems to spark to life in the peaceful hours of darkness, but because my sleep pattern is messed up because I have no routine.
My wonderful husband is working his new dream job for at least eight hours a day and the best I can hope for some days is a shower before lunchtime. In between that and making various snacks, meals and keeping Instagram updated with quality snaps of said meals it’s a wonder I found time to look for a job at all. But it did get better. Here are five surprisingly positive things I’ve found about being unemployed.
The chance to explore new career paths
This is a great opportunity to think about your next career move. Maybe it’s time to consider something brand new? For example, maybe you’ve always wanted to get into teaching.
You might not be able to afford the training just now, but you could find out more about the job and whether you would like it or not. Look through your contacts and find someone who is a teacher – or knows one – and set up a meeting to pick their brain about conditions, pay, benefits and how to go about getting into the profession.
You could also look for some work experience in your chosen field. Even if it comes to nothing or you find out it’s not your bag, you’ll have something new to add to your CV for that next job interview. I’ve been working on my graphic design, blogging and SEO skills whilst I’m out of work and I’ve managed to get some freelance work out of it.
Your tea never gets cold
This might seem like a small matter, but really there is no greater pleasure than a fresh cup of hot tea. Today’s world is so distracting that most of us only ever get to enjoy half a cup at best before a child needs our attention or the doorbell rings.
Yes unemployment is difficult and scary, but try and appreciate this newfound time you have to completely unwind and have some much-needed quality time to yourself. Grab that book that’s been sitting waiting to be read for months, make a cuppa and relax.
Time to try out old and hobbies
We’ve all got pastimes that we wish we had more time for. It might be something you used to be an expert at like painting or writing and can easily be revived. Once you get back into your groove you might even feel confident enough to offer your services as a tutor to others for a small fee.
If you’re feeling adventurous why not go out on a limb and try something you’ve always wanted to do like learn a new language or take up knitting? Search You Tube for tutorials or check your local library for books or find free classes in your area. I’ve rekindled my love for yoga after years of trying to commit to doing it regularly and I’m so glad I did it.
Your washing is always up to date
Is there a more satisfying feeling than seeing the bottom of your laundry basket? Maybe I’ve been unemployed for too long, but to me that’s pure happiness right there.
Not working can leave you feeling unfulfilled, but putting that extra time into keeping your home clean and organised can be a good way to fill the days and feel productive. I like to put at least one laundry wash on everyday, clean all of my dishes as soon as we’re done eating, clean the bathroom twice a day and I have been filing all my paperwork on a regular basis too. I’m basically excelling at being a fully-fledged adult in every other area of my life to make up for the lack of income.
I’ve been seriously job-hunting for over a week now and although I’ve not found any permanent work, I still feel like I have a place in the world. I’m creating content everyday, improving my blog layout, developing my own style and connecting with people all over the world. I wouldn’t be able to do all this without the time I have to spare everyday. So until opportunity comes a knockin’ I’m doing just fine.
Have you found a positive side to unemployment?
